Scottish Government

ISBN 978 1 78256 188 0
ISSN 2045-6964
DPPAS13533

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CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 INTRODUCTION
Background to the consultation
Description of the consultation document
Structure of this report

2 THE CONSULTATION PROCESS AND TYPES OF RESPONSE
How responses were received
Number of responses included in the analysis
Type of response
Description of respondents

3 APPROACH TO THE ANALYSIS
Qualitative analysis
Quantitative analysis

4 THE REFERENDUM QUESTION AND BALLOT PAPER
Comments on the proposed referendum question
Comments on the ballot paper
Balance of opinion on the proposed referendum question

5 TIMETABLE AND VOTING ARRANGEMENTS
Comments on the proposed timetable
Comments on the voting arrangements
Balance of opinion on the proposed timetable

6 POSSIBLE INCLUSION OF A SECOND QUESTION
Comments on the inclusion of a second question
Comments on voting systems and the ordering of the questions
Comments on the meaning of devo max
Balance of opinion on the proposed referendum question

7 THE OPERATIONAL MANAGEMENT AND OVERSIGHT OF THE REFERENDUM
The Scottish Government's proposals
Comments on the roles of the EMB and the Electoral Commission
Comments from electoral organisations

8 SATURDAY VOTING
Comments on the issue of Saturday voting
Comments about other ways of increasing voter turnout
Balance of opinion on holding the referendum on a Saturday

9 EXENDING THE FRANCHISE TO INCLUDE 16 AND 17 YEAR OLDS
Comments on extending the franchise to those aged 16 and 17 years
Balance of opinion on extending the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds

10 SPENDING LIMITS FOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE REFERENDUM CAMPAIGN
The Scottish Government's proposals
Comments on the spending limits

11 DRAFT REFERENDUM BILL AND OTHER COMMENTS
Comments on voter eligibility and the issue of a simple majority
Comments on the consultation document and consultation process

ANNEX 1: CAMPAIGN TEXTS

ANNEX 2: LIST OF ORGANISATIONAL/ GROUP RESPONDENTS

ANNEX 3: QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS AND TABLES
Question 1: What are your views on the referendum question?
Question 2: What are your views on the proposed timetable?
Question 3: What are your views on the inclusion of a second question in the referendum?
Question 6: What are your views on the idea that the referendum could be held on a Saturday?
Question 7: What are your views on extending the franchise to those aged 16 and 17 years who are eligible to be registered on the electoral register?

TABLE OF TABLES

Table 2.1: Overview of content and method of submission for campaign responses

Table 2.2: Total responses received through different sources

Table 2.3: Number of responses included in the analysis

Table 2.4: Number of responses to each question

Table 2.5: Type of response

Table 2.6: Number of standard campaign, non-standard campaign and personal responses received through the three campaigns

Table 2.7: Respondent country of residence

Table 2.8: Academics and elected representatives

Table 2.9: Organisation / group type

ANNEX 3

Table A3.1: Respondents' views on the proposed referendum question (Question 1)

Table A3.2: Respondents' views on the proposed timetable (Question 2)

Table A3.3: Respondents' views on the inclusion of a second question in the referendum (Question 3)

Table A3.4: Respondents' views on the idea that the referendum could be held on a Saturday (Question 6)

Table A3.5: Respondents' views on extending the franchise to 16 and 17 year olds (Question 7)

The views expressed in this report are those of the researcher and do not necessarily represent those of the Scottish Government or Scottish Ministers.